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THU investigating whooping cough cases in Temiskaming Shores

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The Timiskaming Health Unit is investigating seven cases of whooping cough (pertussis), with exposures at École Catholique Sainte-Croix, École Catholique St-Michel, and École Secondaire Catholique Sainte-Marie. Public Health Nurses are contacting parents and guardians of students who have the highest risk of exposure.

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“Whooping cough is an infection that causes coughing fits or spells that may end with vomiting or gasping for air,” said Dr. Glenn Corneil, Medical Officer of Health, acting. “The germs spread easily from person to person. Babies under the age of one are at the most risk for severe infection. Immunization provides the best protection against whooping cough.”

During this time of year, there are many respiratory illness circulating in the community including: croup, common cold, and bronchitis. However, whooping cough is distinctive in the severity and the duration of the cough. While whooping cough starts like a common cold, with sneezing, runny nose, low fever, and a mild occasional cough, the cough will get worse over two weeks. After two weeks, coughing spells develop and the cough may end in a whooping sound. The cough may be so severe that the person can gag or throw up. Sometimes a thick, clear mucous can be spit out. The coughing spells can last for weeks or months. Older children and adults may have prolonged cough without the “whoop” or vomiting.

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Important to know about whooping cough exposure:

 Check with your health care provider or the Timiskaming Health Unit to ensure you and your family are up to date on your whooping cough (pertussis) vaccination. The vaccine is free in Canada and part of the routine immunization schedule for infants, children, and teenagers. The vaccine is given at two, four, six, and 18 months of age. A booster dose is needed between four and six years of age and again at 14-16 years of age.

Immunity decreases over time, therefore one booster dose of vaccine is recommended for adults.

 You may review your immunization record online here: http://timiskaminghu.com/281/Immunization

 Pregnant or immunocompromised individuals should follow-up with their healthcare provider to confirm their history of vaccination against whooping cough (pertussis). A booster of the pertussis vaccine is recommended for all pregnant women in their third trimester.

 If you develop symptoms of whooping cough in the next 21 days, please follow-up with your healthcare provider and notify the Timiskaming Health Unit.

For further information or if you have any comments or concerns, please call the Timiskaming Health Unit at

705-647-4305 or toll free at 1-866-747-4305.

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